Page 68 of Sinister Secrets

She holds my gaze as she takes a long sip of beer. “How about you, Cassie?”

“I suppose I’d want to know, too.”

“I’m so glad we’re on the same page. Well, I better go get ready.”

Setting her half-full bottle on the table, she stands, giving me a big smile on her way out of the kitchen. I stare after her, wondering why it is that I feel like I’ve missed something important.

I’m still looking at the doorway where she disappeared when my phone rings.

“Agent Knox,” I answer.

“Cassidy?”

“Lucy… is that you?”

“Yes.”

“Is everything all right? Is Jeffery—”

“He’s fine. But I need a favor.”

“What is it?”

“I need someone to watch him. Not for long, just an hour, maybe two.”

I glance at the clock on the oven over my shoulder. It’s not quite seven. I’m feeling the pinch of time to figure out Gordon’s case, but the night is still young. I can spare a couple of hours for an old friend. Besides, it will probably do me some good to get out of the house for a while.

Taking my delay as a negative, she hurries to say, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”

“No, it’s fine. I’d be happy to watch Jeffery.”

“Really?”

“Of course. I’ll be there in ten.”

Ending the call, I get to my feet. Grabbing my laptop case, I slip my computer and notes inside and zip it up, then hesitate. What do four-year-olds do at this time of night? Will he be awake? Will I need to feed him? More importantly, is the image of the killer’s face locked somewhere in Jeffery’s mind, and will I be able to get him to talk?

Pausing on my way out of the kitchen, I open the pantry and grab one of my emergency bars of chocolate. Look long and hard at my bag before tucking the candy in the outside pocket, deciding to bring it all. At this point in the game, I can’t afford to play fair, and it pays to be prepared.

CHAPTER 39

An uncharacteristically flustered Lucy opens the door with a deep crease entrenched in the middle of her usually serene brow. A sheen of sweat coats her face, and her chest heaves with every breath. She ushers me inside almost frantically, and I can’t help feeling concerned, thinking of how unlike the Lucy I know she’s acting.

Then again, seeing her twice in the last twenty-seven years hardly makes me an expert on her behavior. Though I once knew her quite well, people change. Who knows what she’s been through since her family left so abruptly all those years ago.

“Cassidy, thank you so much.”

“It’s my pleasure.”

I stand off to the side while she gathers her purse, her phone, her keys. Calls for Jeffery to come out and say goodbye.

“He’s already eaten. He’s coloring now, but he can watch cartoons if he gives you any trouble.”

“I’m sure we’ll be fine.”

She gives me a look that makes it clear I don’t know what I’m in for.

“Bedtime is eight-thirty, but I should be home before then.” She calls her son again, her agitation growing. “I really can’t thank you enough.”